If you’re thinking about making a career move at the executive level, it’s important to know that the rules are different. The higher you climb, the less visible the opportunities become and the more strategic your approach needs to be. Whether you’re actively looking or just starting to consider your next move, these career stats paint a clear picture of today’s executive job market.
The Executive Job Search by the Numbers
Let’s break down some key statistics that every executive should know before stepping into the job search:
📌 6–12 months is the average executive job search timeframe.
Landing a senior-level role takes time, this isn’t a quick scroll through job boards and a few applications. It involves deep networking, careful positioning, and often, a bit of patience.
📌 85% of executive jobs are filled through networking, not online applications.
If you’re relying solely on job boards or recruiters, you’re missing out on the majority of opportunities. Conversations, referrals, and trusted relationships are the true currency in this space.
📌 75% of roles are never publicly advertised.
Many organisations handle executive hiring discreetly. Roles are filled through direct outreach, word-of-mouth, or confidential searches. If you’re not in the loop, you might never even know the opportunity existed.
📌 50% of executives leave or fail in their new role within the first 18 months.
That’s a sobering stat and it often comes down to a poor fit, mismatched expectations, or lack of onboarding support. It’s not just about landing the role; it’s about landing the right role.
📌 Executives who work with a career coach land jobs 30–50% faster than those who go solo.
Having a coach isn’t just about accountability — it’s about strategy, clarity, and positioning. The right support can drastically shorten your search and boost your long-term success.
📌 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn as part of their hiring process.
If your profile isn’t up to date, optimised, and aligned with your career goals, you’re likely being overlooked even when you’re not actively applying.
📌 Hiring managers spend just 6–10 seconds on a CV before making a decision.
That means your CV needs to immediately communicate your value. Clarity, structure, and relevance are everything.
What This Means for You
If you’re considering a transition — or even just feeling the itch that something needs to change, here’s what these stats really tell us:
✅ Strategy matters.
Success in the executive job market isn’t about chasing openings it’s about building a strong personal brand, nurturing your network, and showing up in the right places. Your next opportunity likely won’t come from an application it will come from a conversation.
✅ Preparation is everything.
A successful career move starts long before you hit “apply.” It involves clarifying your value proposition, aligning your messaging, and positioning yourself for the kind of role (and culture) that’s truly right for you.
✅ Coaching accelerates success.
The data speaks for itself. Having a coach means you’re not navigating this alone. You’ll avoid common mistakes, build confidence in your strategy, and move faster toward roles that actually align with your goals.
Thinking About Your Next Move?
Executive career transitions can be complex, but they don’t have to be lonely or overwhelming. With the right support and a smart strategy, you can land a role that fits who you are now — not who you were five years ago.
If you’re considering a change, let’s talk. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to move, I can help you build a clear, confident plan to position yourself for success.